Tools of God

Balinese Celebrate 'Tumpek Landep' to Honor and Give Thanks to the Tools of Daily Existence.

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(5/9/2011)

On Saturday, May 7, 2011, Hindus in Bali celebrated Tumpek Landep - a day dedicated to honoring all implements made from metal.

On Saturday the island paid homage to the daily tools of life together with heritage items – such as ceremonial daggers (Keris), through prayers together with ritual offerings of fruit, handcrafted offerings (banten) and flowers.

Designated for special attention on Tumpek Landep, which falls once every 210 days on the Balinese calendar, are the machinery of modern life such as cars and motorcycles, bicycles, household appliances and personal computers. The size of the individual offerings made varies from home to home, often reflecting the individual circumstances of the respective celebrant. As a sign of the season, cars and motorcycle across the island are traditionally festooned with colorful "janur" offerings, made from palm and called "ceniga," "sampian gangtung" or "tamiang," that are tied to bumpers, doorhandles and side view mirrors.

The rituals and prayers of Tumpek Ladep are made to ask God's help via His manifestation in the tools of daily life and the manifold benefits these tools bring to mankind.

In Bali's traditional farming communities Tumpek Landep takes on a special significance where essential tools such as tillers, scythes and even tractors are the object of prayers and offerings.